Education Programs
Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster an appreciation and natural curiosity within a learner friendly environment by instilling in others the desire to preserve out past for our future generations.
Background
After the completion of the Bell Barn structure, it became apparent that educational programming would be the next important step. An initial meeting outlined the direction we hoped to go. Andrea Jones, Gwen Johner, Jan Delage, and Eva Morrow undertook the project.
Student Activities at the Bell Barn
The following themes are applicable to Divisions One and Two curriculum content. We have chosen themes for each grade, but they can be adapted to your classroom needs. Each teacher led visit will include a walk outside the Barn, and a tour of the interior.
Kindergarten: The Farm
The story of Farmer Duck will be used to tell the story of a day in the life of a farmer. A variety of hands on activities will be shared and there will be opportunity to use the dress up box as well.
Kindergarten Resources
Grade 1: Plants
Following a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, students will discuss why we need plants, and why the Bell Farm was important. Students will engage in various activities that will illustrate the way plants grow, what plants need to grow and the diversity of plants and seeds.
Grade 1 Resources
Grade 2: Local Community – Then and Now
Students will share photographs and maps of the local community and discuss changes over time. They will also construct a simple 3D structure of the barn as part of a mapping activity.
Grade 2 Resources
Grade 3: Structures and Materials
Practical activity that promotes problem solving and critical thinking as to why farmers need barns, why they are constructed from certain materials and why some barns in Saskatchewan are circular.
Outdoor activity:- groups construct a low circular structure using rocks.
Indoor Activity (inclement weather):- groups making table top tipi or igloo.
Grade 3 Resources
Grade 4: The Development of Communication
Students will discover how the Bell Farm used one of Alexander Graham Bell’s inventions in everyday communications and will take part in an activity challenge to investigate which instrument makes the clearest call.
Grade 4 Resources
Grade 5: Discovering history from photographs and objects
Students will have opportunity to look at photographs, maps and other documents to compare present day to the past. Main activity will be “What is this?”:- A-Z artifact quiz, using items supplied by Indian Head Museum.
Grade 5 Resources
Grade 6: Location and Grid
Students will have opportunity to look at a variety of old maps prior to taking part in “The Amazing Race”:- treasure hunt for clues to obtain the necessary co-ordinates to plot and complete their final task.
Grade 6 Resources
Teachers
Teachers will be able to make use of our Loan Box that will include photographs, a teacher resource folder containing background information about the Bell Barn, relevant website links and photocopiables that will help support lesson planning when including a visit to the barn as part of a unit.
**You will be charged if the loan box is returned late or if items are damaged or missing**
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking please contact us.
Teacher FAQ
Useful Links
- A Kids Guide to Horses and Barn Animals
- Saskatchewan Elementary and High School Curriculum
- Saskatchewan Settlement Experience (Grade 4-12)
- The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan | Details
- National Geographic Kids Interactive, child friendly website from National Geographic, excellent for research projects.
- Dole Super Kids Interactive site promoting fruit and healthy lifestyles.
- Agriculture in the Classroom – teachers’ search engine & resources
- Recycle Saskatchewan Fantastic site full of recycling ideas and why we need to recycle. Teachers’ resources Kindergarten-8 lesson plans pertaining to Science curriculum (2009)